Press Placement

[usmcamp0811]

Ok I just got my bench finished and I am fixing to bolt my press too it.. Before I go and start putting holes in my newly constructed bench. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on the best placement of the press. Middle of bench, off to one side or another. I realize that its different for each individual but maybe someone has put it in a place and been like **** that sucks wish it had been on the other side.

[Triton28]

You're probably gonna want it to one side or another, although how much that matters probably depends on how much bench space you have.

Don't sweat it too much though. They make wood filler every day of the week. ;)

[usmcamp0811]

lol yes they do... but apparently you don't realize how freaking obsessive compulsive I am about shit. I don't just jump right in and do somethin... I have to know as much as humanly possible about it before I do something silly...
In the end you are probably right I need to get over this and just do it.. and then find out that I didn't want it there.. lol

[Triton28]

http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=29010

Awesomely neat benches here...

[JStor]

I like the press mounted on the right side near the end, because I'm right-handed. But I suggest trying it in different locations with a couple of clamps, just to see what you are comfortable with.

[markm]

MIDDLE all the way. Definitely need space for trays on the RIGHT side. And definitely need space for bullet trays on the left side.

[pilotguyo540]

My bench is way too small. I am right handed and placed my press on the right side. My scale is behind it and I have caught my hand on the die and spilled powder all over.... FAIL.

Center seems like a good idea if you have adequate space. If I had to do it again (I will) go far left.

[rjacobs]

My 550 is mounted as far right as I could get it and still have room for the catch tray and enough room to reach into another tray with my empty case's in it. Works perfect for me. Maybe you could post a pic of you bench and which press you have and we could help ya out a little bit more.

[usmcamp0811]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs437.ash1/24144_582154161798_56702849_33570583_7675047_n.jpg
Hopefully the picture works... If not I'll try something else..

the bench dimensions are 6'x2' and I have a Dillon 550B

[usmcamp0811]

What I'm thinking is putting the press about center with the window.. This should allow for enough room I think.. then the left half of the bench will be left open for my scale and other misc things and also for when I'm not reloading so I can sit at it and do my homework. lol

[rjacobs]

Yea centered with the window or even a bit further right. Just make sure you have room for the ammo catch tray which will also give you enough room to set another tray on the bench to put your empty case's into. You could mount the tray and the bracket and then mount the press accordingly.

[usmcamp0811]

cool sounds good thanks.. just need to get off of here and finish my stupid homework so I can get to work mounting things lol..

[usmcamp0811]

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs410.snc3/24804_582383132938_56702849_33580214_2549637_n.jpg
So just thought I post a picture of what I decided to do...

[rjacobs]

Looks good. I would have gone further right personally, but that will work good.

[Bimmer]

Looks good. I would have gone further right personally, but that will work good.

+1

I've got mine mounted all the way to the right, so that the bin hanging off the right side (where the loaded ammo lands) is barely inboard of the edge of the bench.

BTW, I mounted mine using bolts (not screws) through the bench. Every couple years or so I bolt the press to the bench and crank out several years supply. Otherwise the press is packed away and my bench is clear for other projects.

YMMV,

Bimmer

[usmcamp0811]

Yea I wasn't sure about being all the way on the wall when reloading.. and I used bolts too..

[sinister]

Looks like you've got it in the optimum position.

You can keep empty brass and just-loaded rounds to the right, and you have plenty of space on the left for scales, powder measures (for precision drops), bullets, etc. You'll also have plenty of natural light to check in the cases to make sure you did get a consistent powder drop (if you're using the Dillon measures exclusively).

Nice bench, by the way.

:)

[usmcamp0811]

Thanks.. It's just a bunch of 2x6s and the tops is just two pieces of plywood. only cost $70 from Lowes. Oh then my forearms kept getting scrapped on the edge so I got some pipe insulation and stapled that over the edge and no more problem..

[762xIan]

It might be just me, but I am a righty and my press is mounted to my left.:confused:

Keep in mind this is a single stage.....

I work the handle with my left and insert and remove cases/projectiles with my right. All my empties, powder dispenser etc.. and work area is in front of me to my right, the press to the left.

You could always mount the press temporarily to a piece of 2x6 and use C-clamps. You can then "try" the press out in various positions on your bench before you settle on a permanent spot to drill holes.